Potent storm to bring multiple feet of snow this weekend to Truckee-Tahoe

TRUCKEE, Calif. — After a break in stormy weather to end the week at Lake Tahoe, another potent storm is set to impact the region this weekend.
The National Weather Service in Reno issued a winter storm watch that goes into effect at 10 a.m. Saturday and lasts for 48 hours for total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet in lake communities and 2 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet. Winds could gusts up to 45 mph, with 100 mph gusts possible along the Sierra crest.
The snow is expected to bring widespread travel impacts, including possible road closures. Some roads remain closed from the multi-day blizzard that exited the basin on Wednesday, including parts of State Route 89 and 88 and Interstate 80 finally reopened Wednesday night to passenger vehicles but were still holding big rigs from Applegate to the state line as of Thursday morning.
For road conditions, call 511 or visit https://www.nvroads.com or https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Truckee unified school districts have canceled classes for Thursday.
The service said by early Saturday morning, the leading edge of snow steadily increases in intensity first across northeast California and then spreads moderate to heavy snow across the Sierra Saturday afternoon and evening. There is a 70-80% chance for 2 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet.
Western Nevada valleys may receive an additional 3 inches and the surrounding foothill areas may get 5 inches.
If traveling in the mountains, have an emergency kit that includes tire chains, extra food and water and clothing and be prepared to spend an extended amount of time in the vehicle.
“Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time,” the service said.
Bill Rozak is editor for the Sierra Sun. He may be reached at brozak@swiftcom.com.
Support Local Journalism


Support Local Journalism
Readers around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.